Label position detection method and device and material conveying system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a label position detection method and device and a material conveying system.The label position detection device can comprise a positioning sensor and a controller, the positioning sensor comprises a plurality of optical fiber sensors, and a label shields at least one optical fiber sensor after moving according to set parameters; and the controller is used for determining the actual position of the label according to the current number of the optical fiber sensors shielded by the label and the positions of the multiple optical fiber sensors after the label completes movement according to the set parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of semiconductor manufacturing technology, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for detecting the position of a label and a material transfer system. Background Art

[0002] In the process of wafer processing, polysilicon raw materials go through steps such as crystal pulling, forming, polishing, and cleaning, and finally form product wafers. In order to transport the produced wafers to the client, the commonly used method is to load multiple wafers into a cassette carrier, and send them to the client after packing and attaching information labels. In this process, the position correctness of the label at the packing station is crucial. Any positioning deviation may cause the label to be misaligned, which in turn affects the information recognition and tracking of the product, thus having an adverse impact on the appearance and tracking of the product.

[0003] In the existing technology, ensuring that the label is accurately attached to the correct position at the packing station is a challenge. Traditional positioning methods may have problems such as insufficient accuracy or difficult adjustment, resulting in frequent label misalignment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of the present disclosure are expected to provide a method and apparatus for detecting the position of a label and a material transfer system, which can solve the technical problem of inaccurate label positioning.

[0005] The technical solution of the embodiments of the present disclosure is implemented as follows: In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a label position detection apparatus, including: A positioning sensor, including a plurality of fiber optic sensors, after the label moves according to set parameters, at least one of the fiber optic sensors is blocked; A controller, configured to determine the actual position of the label according to the current number of fiber optic sensors blocked by the label and the positions of the plurality of fiber optic sensors after the label moves according to set parameters.

[0006] In some examples, when the actual position is different from the target position, the controller is configured to determine a position compensation amount according to the target number of fiber optic sensors blocked corresponding to the target position and the current number, so as to move the label to the target position according to the position compensation amount; wherein, the target position is the ideal position corresponding to the set parameters.

[0007] In some examples, the positioning sensor further includes: A housing, including a light inlet; A concave lens, disposed between the light inlet and the plurality of fiber optic sensors, for dispersing the light at the light inlet to the plurality of fiber optic sensors.

[0008] In some examples, the positioning sensor further includes: A telescopic moving rod for fixing the concave lens in the housing so that the concave lens can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical path.

[0009] In some examples, the positioning sensor further includes: A moving shaft connected to the telescopic moving rod, and the telescopic moving rod can move in a direction parallel to the optical path along the moving shaft.

[0010] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for detecting the position of a label, including: Obtaining the current number of fiber optic sensors blocked after the label moves according to set parameters; Determining the actual position of the label according to the relationship between the current number and the position of the fiber optic sensors.

[0011] In some examples, the method further includes: Obtaining the target number of fiber optic sensors blocked corresponding to the target position; When the actual position is different from the target position, determining a position compensation amount according to the current number and the target number, so as to move the label to the target position according to the position compensation amount.

[0012] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a material transmission system, and the material transmission system includes: The position detection device of the label in the first aspect and any one of its examples; A conveying mechanism for moving the label to the target position.

[0013] In some examples, the conveying mechanism includes: A conveyor belt for carrying the label; A driving shaft and a driven shaft for driving the conveyor belt to move in a preset direction; A driving motor connected to the driving shaft to drive the conveyor belt to move.

[0014] In some examples, the position detection device further includes: A light sensor for sending a signal to a controller when the label reaches a first position to control the conveying mechanism to reduce the transmission speed; Wherein, the conveying mechanism passes through the first position during the process of moving the label to the target position.

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for detecting the position of a label and a material transmission system. By using an array composed of multiple fiber optic sensors, the controller can calculate the actual position of the label based on the occlusion states of the multiple fiber optic sensors, which can more accurately detect the position of the label and also reduce the errors that may be brought by a single sensor. The controller can adjust the position calculation according to the actual number of fiber optic sensors being occluded, so that the device is not limited to a specific label size and can adapt to different label sizes and shapes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic diagram of a device for detecting the position of a label provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 FIG. is a schematic diagram of a positioning sensor provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 FIG. is a schematic diagram of another positioning sensor provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 FIG. is a schematic diagram of a detection principle provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5 FIG. is a flowchart of a method for detecting the position of a label provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the structure of a material transmission system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Through the above-mentioned drawings, specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown, and there will be more detailed descriptions hereinafter. These drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept of the present disclosure in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be more complete and will fully convey the concept of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0024] In addition, the accompanying drawings are only schematic illustrations of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and thus repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted. Some of the block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities may be implemented in software form, or implemented in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or implemented in different networks and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0025] The information labels attached to each wafer cassette carrier contain key product information such as batch number, production date, specification parameters, etc. These information are the basis for identifying and verifying whether the received products meet the order requirements. The information labels also help with product tracking and tracing.

[0026] In the supply chain, any product problems or quality issues can be traced back to the specific production batch through the information on the label.

[0027] If the position of the label at the packing station is deviated, it may cause partial or complete occlusion or misalignment of the label, making the information on the label difficult to identify or completely unrecognizable. The inaccuracy or incompleteness of the label information will make product tracking difficult. Once a problem occurs with the product, it may not be possible to quickly locate the source of the problem, affecting the timeliness of problem-solving.

[0028] Based on this, the present disclosure first provides a position detection device for a label. Referring to Figure 1 , the position detection device may include a positioning sensor 2 and a controller 3.

[0029] Among them, the positioning sensor 2 includes a plurality of fiber optic sensors 21. After the label 1 moves according to the set parameters, it occludes at least one fiber optic sensor 21.

[0030] The controller 3 is configured to determine the actual position of the label 1 according to the current number of fiber optic sensors 21 occluded by the label 1 and the positions of the plurality of fiber optic sensors 21 after the label 1 moves according to the set parameters.

[0031] In the position detection device for the label 1 in the embodiments of the present disclosure, by using an array composed of a plurality of fiber optic sensors 21, the controller 3 can determine the actual position of the label 1 according to the occlusion states of the plurality of fiber optic sensors 21, and can more accurately detect the position of the label 1. It can also reduce the errors that may be brought by a single sensor. The controller 3 can adjust the position calculation according to the actual number of fiber optic sensors 21 occluded, so that the device is not limited to a specific size of the label 1 and can adapt to different sizes and shapes of the label 1.

[0032] In some examples, referring to Figure 2, the positioning sensor 2 may include a housing 22 and a concave lens 23. The housing 22 is the external structure of the positioning sensor 2, which provides physical protection and structural support for the fiber optic sensor 21 and other components inside the sensor. The housing 22 may include a light inlet, which is the channel for light to enter the positioning sensor 2.

[0033] Optionally, the housing 22 may be a rectangular, cylindrical housing, etc., or it may be in the shape of a frustum of a cone. Among them, if the housing 22 is in the shape of a frustum of a cone and the light inlet is set at the top of the frustum, that is, the bottom surface with a smaller area, the concave lens 23 is located between the light inlet and the fiber optic sensor 21, and can effectively disperse the focused light onto multiple fiber optic sensors 21, ensuring that each sensor in the fiber optic sensor 21 array can receive uniform light.

[0034] The concave lens 23 is an optical element located between the light inlet of the housing 22 and the fiber optic sensor 21. Its function is to disperse or distribute the light entering from the light inlet onto multiple fiber optic sensors 21. The use of the concave lens 23 can ensure that the fiber optic sensors 21 in the fiber optic sensor 21 array can all receive uniform and appropriate light, thereby improving the response consistency and detection accuracy of the fiber optic sensor 2.

[0035] The concave lens 23 disperses the concentrated light onto multiple fiber optic sensors 21 through its curvature characteristics. This dispersion effect helps to improve the overall light uniformity of the sensor array and reduce the problems of local overexposure or underexposure caused by concentrated light. Through the light dispersion of the concave lens 23, it can be ensured that each fiber optic sensor 21 can receive appropriate light, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the entire sensor array for the occlusion of the label 1.

[0036] In some examples, the fiber optic sensors 21 are evenly arranged in the sensor array, and the distance between them is the same. This uniform layout helps to improve the consistency and accuracy of detection.

[0037] The concave lens 23 is located between the light inlet and the fiber optic sensor 21, and its main function is to disperse the parallel light entering from the light inlet onto each fiber optic sensor 21. The design of the concave lens 23 can make the light maintain a certain parallelism during the dispersion process, so that each sensor can receive uniform light.

[0038] The angle of the fiber optic sensor 21 can be adjusted according to requirements to ensure that they can accurately detect the position of the label 1. This angle adjustability allows the system to be flexibly configured according to different detection requirements.

[0039] The distance between multiple fiber optic sensors 21 can be customized according to user requirements. Based on the distance between multiple fiber optic sensors 21, the position differences of the label 1 when one fiber optic sensor 21 is blocked and when two fiber optic sensors 21 are blocked can be determined, as well as the position of the label 1 when each sensor is blocked.

[0040] In some examples, such as Figure 2 shown, the angles of multiple fiber optic sensors 21 are variable and can be adjusted as needed to cover different detection areas. Through the light dispersion effect of the concave lens 23 and the technical feature that the angles of the fiber optic sensors 21 are adjustable, more fiber optic sensors 21 can be arranged in the same position space, improving the accuracy of position detection.

[0041] It should be noted that when the angle of the fiber optic sensor 21 changes, the optical path of the sensor also changes. That is to say, the position of the label 1 when blocking the sensor also changes. That is, when determining the position, it is necessary to determine the angle and position of the fiber optic sensor 21, and then determine the acquisition optical path of the fiber optic sensor 21. In the case of determining the acquisition optical path, the position of the label 1 is determined according to the blocked situation.

[0042] The acquisition optical path of each fiber optic sensor 21 refers to the path of light starting from the light input port, passing through the dispersion of the concave lens, and reaching the sensor. By precisely controlling the angle of the sensor, it can be ensured that the acquisition optical path covers the entire detection area.

[0043] In the case of determining the acquisition optical path, the position of the label 1 can be determined according to the blocked situation of the fiber optic sensor 21. The edge position of the label 1 can be determined based on the number of blocked fiber optic sensors 21, and then the actual position of the label 1 can be determined.

[0044] In some examples, referring to Figure 3 , the positioning sensor 2 further includes a movable telescopic rod, a telescopic movable rod 24, for fixing the concave lens 23 in the housing 22 so that the concave lens 23 can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical path.

[0045] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3 , the positioning sensor 2 can also include a moving shaft 25, connected to the telescopic movable rod 24, and the telescopic movable rod 24 can move along the moving shaft 25 in a direction parallel to the optical path.

[0046] Specifically, the main function of the telescopic movable rod 24 is to fix the concave lens 23 and allow it to move in a direction perpendicular to the optical path. This movement can adjust the focal point of the light, thereby changing the light distribution received by the sensor array.

[0047] The retractable movable rod 24 may contain an internal mechanism, such as a spring or a motor-driven telescopic mechanism, allowing it to expand and contract within a certain range. The retractable movable rod 24 is usually made of lightweight but strong materials, such as aluminum alloy or high-strength plastic, to ensure stability and durability. The expansion and contraction of the retractable movable rod 24 may be achieved through manual adjustment or an automatic control system to ensure that the concave lens 23 can be adjusted to the optimal position as needed.

[0048] The movable shaft 25 allows the retractable movable rod 24 (and the concave lens 23 fixed thereon) to move in a direction parallel to the optical path to further adjust the detection range of the sensor array. The movable shaft 25 may include bearings, sliders, or other sliding mechanisms to reduce friction and allow smooth movement. The movable shaft 25 is usually made of wear-resistant materials, such as steel or special alloys, to withstand repeated movement and positioning. The movement of the movable shaft 25 may be achieved through a motor or other automated mechanisms to ensure that the retractable movable rod 24 can be accurately positioned at the desired location.

[0049] By adjusting the position of the concave lens 23 in two dimensions, the distribution of light can be more precisely controlled, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the sensor array. This enables the positioning sensor 2 to adapt to different production line layouts and wafer carrier sizes, enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of the system. Through the automated control system, precise control of the retractable movable rod 24 and the movable shaft 25 can be achieved, further improving the automation level of the production line.

[0050] Refer to Figure 4 After the label 1 completes the movement according to the set parameters, the controller 3 determines the actual position of the label 1 based on the current number of fiber optic sensors 21 blocked by the label 1 and the positions of the multiple fiber optic sensors 21.

[0051] In some examples, when the actual position is different from the target position, the controller 3 is also used to determine the position compensation amount based on the target number and the current number of the fiber optic sensors 21 blocked by the target position, so as to move the label 1 to the target position according to the position compensation amount; wherein, the target position is the ideal position corresponding to the set parameters.

[0052] Specifically, the controller 3 first determines the actual position of the label 1 after it has completed the movement. This is achieved by analyzing the number of fiber optic sensors 21 blocked by the label 1 and the positions of these sensors in the array. The specific determination process has been described in detail above, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0053] Once the actual position of Tag 1 is determined, the controller 3 compares it with the preset target position (i.e., the ideal position). The target position is calculated based on the set parameters of Tag 1 (such as moving distance, speed, etc.). If the actual position does not match the target position, the controller 3 calculates the position compensation amount according to the ideal number of occlusion sensors corresponding to the target position (target number) and the current number of occlusion sensors (current number). The compensation amount refers to the distance or direction that Tag 1 needs to move in order to adjust from the current position to the target position.

[0054] According to the calculated position compensation amount, the controller 3 issues an instruction to drive the corresponding mechanical components (such as a motor) to move Tag 1 to its target position.

[0055] In the position detection device of the present disclosure embodiment, by accurately calculating and adjusting the position compensation amount, the controller 3 can ensure that Tag 1 is accurately pasted at the predetermined position, reducing the positioning deviation. The automated function of the controller 3 reduces the need for manual intervention, improving the automation level and efficiency of the production line. This system can adapt to different sizes and shapes of Tag 1, as well as minor changes in the production line, because it can make real-time adjustments according to the actual situation. Accurate positioning of Tag 1 can reduce production errors and material waste caused by misalignment of Tag 1, improving production efficiency and product quality. Automated position adjustment reduces the downtime during the production process. The positioning process of the tag is faster and more accurate, thus improving the overall production efficiency.

[0056] Furthermore, the present disclosure also provides a method for detecting the position of Tag 1, referring to Figure 5 , the position detection method can be applied to the above-mentioned controller. Specifically, the position detection method can include step S510 and step S520.

[0057] In step S510, after the tag completes the movement according to the set parameters, the current number of fiber optic sensors occluded by the tag is obtained.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 3 first determines the actual position of Tag 1 after it has completed the movement. This is achieved by analyzing the number of fiber optic sensors 21 occluded by Tag 1 and the positions of these sensors in the array. Once the actual position of Tag 1 is determined. The specific determination process has been described in detail in the position detection device and will not be elaborated here.

[0059] In step S520, the actual position of the tag is determined according to the relationship between the current number and the position of the fiber optic sensors.

[0060] In some examples, the target quantity of the occluded fiber optic sensor 21 corresponding to the target position can be obtained. Then, when the actual position is different from the target position, the position compensation amount is determined according to the current quantity and the target quantity, so as to move the label 1 to the target position according to the position compensation amount.

[0061] Specifically, the target position is a set position, which is the ideal position corresponding to the set parameters. However, due to the errors caused by the mechanical structure, when the label 1 moves according to the set parameters, the position after the movement may not coincide with the above target position. The controller 3 will compare the position after moving according to the set parameters with the preset target position (i.e., the ideal position). The target position is calculated according to the set parameters (such as moving distance, speed, etc.) of the label 1. If the actual position is inconsistent with the target position, the controller 3 will calculate the position compensation amount according to the ideal number of occluded sensors corresponding to the target position (target quantity) and the current number of occluded sensors (current quantity). The compensation amount refers to the distance or direction that the label 1 needs to move in order to adjust from the current position to the target position.

[0062] According to the calculated position compensation amount, the controller 3 issues an instruction to drive the corresponding mechanical components (such as a motor) to move the label 1 to make it reach the target position.

[0063] In the position detection method in the embodiments of the present disclosure, through precise calculation and adjustment of the position compensation amount, the controller 3 can ensure that the label 1 is accurately pasted at the predetermined position, reducing the positioning deviation. The automation function of the controller 3 reduces the need for manual intervention, improves the automation level and efficiency of the production line. This system can adapt to different sizes and shapes of the label 1, as well as minor changes in the production line, because it can make real-time adjustments according to the actual situation. Accurate positioning of the label 1 can reduce production errors and material waste caused by misalignment of the label 1, improving production efficiency and product quality.

[0064] Furthermore, the present disclosure also provides a material transfer system. Referring to Figure 6 , it may include the above position detection device and a transfer structure 4. The transfer structure is used to move the label 1 towards the target position.

[0065] In some examples, the transfer mechanism 4 includes a conveyor belt 41, a driving shaft 42, a driven shaft 43, and a driving motor 44. These components work together to ensure that the label 1 can move smoothly and accurately to the target position.

[0066] The conveyor belt 41 is a flat surface or belt that carries the label 1 and moves it. It is kept taut between the driving shaft 42 and the driven shaft 43 to ensure the stable operation of the conveyor belt 41. The driving shaft 42 is connected to the drive motor 44. When the motor rotates, the driving shaft 42 also rotates accordingly. The driven shaft 43 follows the rotation of the driving shaft 42 and drives the conveyor belt 41 to move.

[0067] The drive motor 44 is the power source that drives the driving shaft 42 to rotate. The rotational speed of the drive motor 44 can be adjusted to control the speed of the conveyor belt 41.

[0068] In some examples, the above-mentioned position detection device may further include a light sensor 5, which is used to send a signal to the controller 3 when the label 1 reaches the first position, so as to control the conveying mechanism 4 to reduce the transmission speed. Optionally, the conveying structure passes through the above-mentioned first position during the process of moving the label 1 to the target position, that is, when moving the label 1 in the moving direction, it will first pass through the first position and then reach the target position.

[0069] Optionally, the distance between the first position and the target position can be customized according to user needs and will not be elaborated in this example embodiment.

[0070] When the label 1 is moved to the first position, it is closer to the target position. Therefore, the moving speed can be reduced. When the light sensor 5 detects that the label 1 has been moved to the first position, it sends a signal to the controller 3. After receiving the signal, the controller 3 can reduce the rotational speed of the drive motor 44 to reduce the moving speed of the label 1.

[0071] By reducing the speed when the label 1 is approaching the target position, the positioning accuracy of the label 1 can be improved, ensuring that the label 1 can reach the target position accurately and without error.

[0072] Reducing the speed can reduce errors caused by inertia or excessive speed, especially in cases where the label 1 needs to be precisely aligned. For applications that require printing or attaching information on the label 1, precise positioning can improve the accuracy of marking and ensure the clarity and accuracy of the information.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of the various embodiments have their own emphases. For parts not elaborated in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope described in this specification.

[0074] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention as claimed herein. The present disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include known or customary technical means in the art not claimed in the present disclosure.

[0075] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A label position detection device, characterized in that: include: A positioning sensor, comprising a plurality of optical fiber sensors, wherein the tag blocks at least one of the optical fiber sensors after completing the movement according to the set parameters; The controller is used to determine the actual position of the tag according to the current number of optical fiber sensors blocked by the tag and the positions of multiple optical fiber sensors after the tag completes moving according to the set parameters.

2. The position detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is used to determine the position compensation amount according to the target number and the current number of the blocked optical fiber sensors corresponding to the target position when the actual position is different from the target position, so as to move the label to the target position according to the position compensation amount; The target position is an ideal position corresponding to the setting parameters.

3. The position detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning sensor also includes: The housing, including the light inlet, The concave lens is disposed between the light entrance and the plurality of optical fiber sensors, and is used for dispersing the light from the light entrance to the plurality of optical fiber sensors.

4. The position detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The positioning sensor also includes: The telescopic movable rod is used to fix the concave lens in the housing so that the concave lens can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical path.

5. The position detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Positioning sensors also include: The movable shaft is connected to the telescopic movable rod, and the telescopic movable rod can move along the movable shaft in a direction parallel to the optical path.

6. A method for detecting the position of a tag, characterized in that: include: Get the current number of fiber optic sensors blocked after the tag completes the movement according to the set parameters; The actual position of the tag is determined based on the current number and the positional relationship of the optical fiber sensor.

7. The position detection method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Obtain the number of targets blocking the optical fiber sensor corresponding to the target position; When the actual position is different from the target position, a position compensation amount is determined according to the current number and the target number, so as to move the tag to the target position according to the position compensation amount.

8. A material transmission system, characterized in that: include: The label position detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; The conveying mechanism is used to move the label to a target position.

9. The material transport system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism comprises: A conveyor belt, used for carrying the label; A driving shaft and a driven shaft, used to drive the conveyor belt to move along a preset direction; A transmission motor is connected to the driving shaft to drive the conveyor belt to move.

10. The material transport system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The position detection device also includes: A light sensor, used for sending a signal to the controller when the label reaches the first position, so as to control the conveying mechanism to reduce the transmission speed; The conveying mechanism passes through the first position when moving the label to the target position.

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